Recorded at RAK Studios, a former Victorian schoolhouse in St John’s Wood, London in  May 1982. This was John’s second album for Warner Brothers and was released in September 1982.  The pop orientated album still features John’s trade marks; sensuality and expression of emotion are all present particularly on Could’ve Been Me and Hung Up. Produced by Sandy Roberton, the album charted for seven weeks, reaching the Top 20. Halfway through the recording John accidentally impaled himself on a fence, puncturing a lung, and was so loaded during the subsequent sessions that he can’t even remember taking part! The superb ballad Never Let Me Go featured Ronnie Scott on saxophone.

“The songs are warm and intelligent and a majority of Well Kept Secret is pacier and louder than he’s ever been on one album before…it’s a good record, a class record.” – NME

Well Kept Secret was released in America with re-mixed tracks. A 1998 reissue included two bonus tracks, Gun Money US remix and Hiss on the Tape (live).

WEA released Hiss on the Tape/Livin’ Alone as a single in October 1982 and Gun Money (US remix)/Hiss on the Tape (live) as a single in November.

1. Could’ve Been Me (J. Martyn)
2. You Might Need A Man (J. Martyn)
3. Hung Up (J. Martyn)
4. Gun Money (J. Martyn)
5. Never Let Me Go (Joe Scott)
6. Love Up (J. Martyn)
7. Changes Her Mind (J. Martyn)
8. Hiss On The Tape (J. Martyn)
9. Back With A Vengeance (J. Martyn)
10. Livin’ Alone (J. Martyn)

Catalogue Number: K 99255 WEA
Matrix / Runout:

Vocal and Guitar – John Martyn
Drums – Jeff Allen
Drums on Back With A Vengeance and Changes Her Mind – Andy Duncan
Percussion – Danny Cummings
Keyboards – Jim Prime
Keyboards on Changes Her Mind – Pete Wingfield
Bass and Guitars – Alan Thomson
Harm Vocals – Lee Kosmin and Steve Lange
Saxophone – Mel Collins
Saxophone on Never Let Me Go – Ronnie Scott
Trumpet – Martin Drover
Accordian – Geraint Watkins
Sleeve – Bill Smith
Photography – Andrew Douglas
Engineer – Phil Thornalley
Recorded – Mike Nocito
Producer – Sandy Roberton